Zauchensee Ski Resort

The Zauchensee ski area offers skiers the chance to take to some memorable runs in the heart of the area’s romantic mountains. On 41 km of Alpine trails on the slopes surrounding the Gamskogel, everyone is sure to find the right run for them. There are mellow runs for some laid-back carving, steep slopes for challenging adventure and even untouched powder routes – Zauchensee is pretty multi-faceted. Beginners can look forward to some 24 kilometres of blue-marked terrain across the ski area. Experts and advanced skiers can also explore eleven kilometres of intermediate and almost six kilometres of black-marked runs. The mogul run on Rosskopf and the slalom course on the Kogelalm are both notable challenges. Skiers can choose from 16 lifts extending up to 2,100 metres before winding their way back down the sunny mountainside, enjoying the fantastic views over the peaks of Salzburger Land. State-of-the-art snowmaking facilities ensure that 38 km of runs are always in great shape.

Young skiers can learn the ropes on the mellow nursery slopes of Zauchi’s Kinderland, where they can take a magic carpet lift and mini-lift back up the hill. The kids are supported by trained personnel from both ski schools in Zauchensee. Little ones will find learning fun and the playful teaching will have them skiing on the mountain proper in no time.

Freeride skiers can try the three off-piste ski routes on offer (Flachauwinkel, Gamskogel Ost and Rosskopf) and enjoy the natural powder here.

Zauchensee is part of the Ski Amadé ski association. As a result, skiers and snowboarders can explore some 760 km of runs with just one single ski pass.

With 16 lodges and mountain restaurants overall, there are more than enough food and drink options both on and off the mountain. The Unterbergalm is located directly next to the Unterbergriedl mountain station. Here, the menu is dominated by fresh products from the region and game from the restaurant’s own hunting grounds. Sausage fans will be in for a treat at the self-service Würstl Kiosk on the terrace too! The comfortable basket seats at the Rosskopfhütte are a great way to take in the scenery. With a panoramic sundeck and delicious desserts, the Burgstallhütte is a tempting destination alongside the valley run down to Flachauwinkl. It also has great soups, mixed lunch platters and plenty of other hearty fare. ‘s Ofentürl at the valley station in Flachauwinkel serves down-to-earth food, regional delights and a number of international dishes. Rauchkopf-Hütte on the summit of Tauernkar is also a place you can eat well with great views from the sundeck. Away from the slopes, the centre of the town notably includes Felseralm, which serves regional specialities and game in an inviting, cosy atmosphere. Other lodges with good food include Gamskogelhütte, Sonnalm, Glonerhütte, Höchalm and Garnhofhütte.

A classic choice for experts is of course the World Cup course in the Zauchensee ski area. If you are looking for a real challenge then the most difficult descent is the Tauernkar, which starts at 1,890 metres and plunges right down into the valley. The timed course on Rosskopf also allows you to test yourself against the clock.

Visitors to Zauchensee in winter can also experience a great deal away from the slopes too. The region is criss-crossed with 220 km of cross-country skiing routes, making it one of the top destinations for this type of skiing in all of Austria. The outstanding natural beauty is easy to enjoy on winter hiking paths, or by riding, snow shoe and horse-drawn sleigh. The ice rink also offers the option of skating, or a game or two of traditional curling. If you are looking for something more pacey, there is a natural sled run for fun in the snow. And after a long day on the slopes, there can be no better way to unwind and soak those muscles than in the pools and saunas of Therme Amadé.

The Seilbar and umbrella bar on the snow deck of Highport in Flachauwinkel are local après-ski hotspots. Ski down, unclip your skis and let the party commence! ´s Ofentürl is also a great place to get your evening started with music and good times. The Arena-Bar is another hot spot, this time in the Weltcuparena Zauchensee, where you can round out a day on the slopes with hot beats and cool drinks.

Fancy treating your taste buds to something extraordinary? Then head for the restaurant at Hotel Schartner. Expect regional produce cooked to an exceptional gourmet standard. The restaurant in Landgasthof Alpenblick is known locally for its rotating specialty weeks, often serving dishes from exotic types of cuisine. Hotel Winterbauer serves all manner of delicious fare.

Zauchensee is just a stone’s throw from the Tauernautobahn and therefore very easily accessible.

By car: If you are travelling from Munich direction, take the A8 to Salzburg and then continue on the A10 (Tauernautobahn) to the Altenmarkt exit. From Altenmarkt, the L252 leads to Zauchensee. From the south (Villach, Spittal an der Drau), you should also take the A10 until the Altenmarkt exit and the follow the L252 to Zauchensee. Skiers travelling by car will find a spacious parking garage and a large outdoor car park at the modern valley station.

By public transport: The closest train station is in Altenmarkt, around ten kilometres from Zauchensee. The nearest airport is in Salzburg (some 75 km away).